Mattie T’s Week 3 Predictions of the 2006 NFL Season

Let’s do it….

Wk 2 record: 11-5

Overall record to date: 21-11 (.656)

vs.
Carolina Panthers (0-2) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-2) from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL.

1:00 PM EST on CBS

Tampa Bay has won 5 of past 6 meetings.

Mattie T’s Prediction: I’m picking Carolina to win in a low-scoring affair that should be dominated by two good defenses. Steve Smith would be a HUGE lift to Carolina’s offense if he can give it a go Sunday.

vs.
Chicago Bears (2-0) vs. Minnesota Vikings (2-0) from the Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN.

1:00 PM EST on FOX

Home team has won last 8 meetings.

Mattie T’s Predictions: I’m picking Chicago in this one. This should be a very close game, but Chicago’s defense will become the deciding factor. Brad Johnson was sacked 5 times last week by Carolina’s defense & Chicago’s front four should have a productive day of pressuring & sacking Johnson as well.

vs.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-0) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) from Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA.

1:00 PM EST on CBS

Road team won all three meetings last season. (including playoffs)

Mattie T’s Prediction: I know that Pittsburgh is playing Cincinnati on short rest, but i am picking the Steelers to win simply because they cannot afford a 1-2 start with a possible 3 team race brewing for the AFC North title.

vs.
Green Bay Packers (0-2) vs. Detroit Lions (0-2) from Ford Field in Detroit, MI.

1:00 PM EST on FOX.

Home team won both games last season, Detroit has lost 8 of last 9 overall.

Mattie T’s Prediction: I’m picking Brett Favre & the Pack to notch their first win of the season against a Lions team that is struggling to score points. Green Bay has allowed 70 points over the first 2 games, so this one could possibly turn into a shootout. Quick message for Roy Williams: Rasheed Wallace is still the best guaranteeor in Detroit, don’t get it twisted homeboy!

vs.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-0) vs. Indianapolis Colts (2-0) from the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, IN.

1:00 PM EST on CBS

Last five meetings have been decided by 7 points or less with Indianapolis winning three of five.

Mattie T’s Prediction: I am going with Jacksonville, as Jack Del Rio & his Jaguars will leave Indianapolis with a stunning road victory and a possible shot at an 4-0 start after what experts considered Jacksonville “to be very fornaute if they finish 2-2″ after a brutal start to their ‘06 season. The Jags’ defense was exceptional on Monday night against the Steelers & they should exploit Peyton Manning’s ONLY weakness: attempting passes/scrambling with heavy pressure.

vs.
N.Y. Jets (1-1) vs. Buffalo Bills (2-0) from Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, NY.

1:00 PM EST on CBS
N.Y. Jets have not won in Buffalo since September of ‘02.

Mattie T’s Prediction: I predict a Buffalo victory in this one, as the Bills defense should bring Chad Pennington’s string of back-to-back 300 yard passing games to an end. Buffalo could definitely be a surprise 3-0 team with a win on Sunday.

vs.
Tennessee Titans (0-2) vs. Miami Dolphins (0-2) from Dolphins Stadium in Miami, FL.

1:00 PM EST on CBS
Tennessee has lost 6 of last 8 games against Miami.

Mattie T’s Predictions: I’m picking Miami here, as Daunte Culpepper & the Dolphins offense should FINALLY get it rolling on Sunday against a Tennessee defense that gave up 476 yards during their 40-7 blowout Week 2 loss in San Diego.

vs.
Washington Redskins (0-2) vs. Houston Texans (0-2) from Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX.

1:00 PM EST on FOX

Washington won 26-10 in Dec of ‘02, only previous meeting between two teams.

Mattie T’s Prediction: I’m picking Washington here, as the return of Clinton Portis should be a huge boost to the Redskins’ struggling offense.

vs.
Baltimore Ravens (2-0) vs. Cleveland Browns (0-2) from Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, OH.

3:05 PM EST on CBS

Cleveland has won last two home games against Baltimore.

Mattie T’s Prediction: I predict that Baltimore will win on Sunday against a Cleveland Browns team that is still trying to find some rhythm offensively. Let’s see if Baltimore can make it 3 straight weeks without allowing a touchdown.

vs.
N.Y. Giants (1-1) vs. Seattle Seahawks (2-0) from Qwest Field in Seattle, WA.

4:15 PM EST on FOX

Giants K Jay Feely missed 3 field goals in 4th quarter & overtime during November ‘05 meeting that the Giants lost 24-21.

Mattie T’s Prediction: I’m predicting Seattle to win, as Deion Branch should provide Seahawk fans with a nice ‘06 debut for his new team. Tiki Barber could finally have his breakout game against Seattle, after rushing for 151 yards on 26 carries during last November’s meeting.

vs.
Philadephia Eagles (1-1) vs. San Francisco 49ers (1-1) from Monster Park in San Francisco, CA.

Philadelphia is 21-8 after a loss since 2000, 2nd best mark in the NFL.

Mattie T’s Prediction: I predict that Philly will bounce back and beat an up-and-coming 49ers team that may surprise some people this season with Alex Smith’s rapid development.

vs.
St. Louis Rams (1-1) vs. Arizona Cardinals (1-1) from Cardinals Stadium in Glendale, AZ.

4:15 PM EST on FOX

Arizona has won 2 of las 3 meetings.

Mattie T’s Prediction: I predict that Arizona will win, as Kurt Warner should notch another victory against his former team.

vs.
Denver Broncos (1-1) vs. New England Patriots (2-0) from Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA.

8:15 PM EST on NBC

Patriots QB Tom Brady is 1-4 lifetime against Denver, 69-17 against all other opponents.

Mattie T’s Prediction: Both teams have strong running attacks, but i think the Patriots defense could decide this one. I’m picking New England to win in a close low-scoring game.

vs.
Atlanta Falcons (2-0) vs. New Orleans Saints (2-0) from Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, LA.

New Orleans won last home game at Superdome in Dec of ‘04, a 26-13 win over Atlanta.

Mattie T’s Prediction: This will be a very emotional home opener for the Saints as they finally return to their beloved Superdome. However, i think Atlanta’s dominating running attack will be too much for the Saints to handle, so i’m going with Atlanta in this one. This game should produce high TV ratings as we’ll get to watch two electric players perform all night long in Falcons QB Michael Vick & Saints RB Reggie Bush.

That’s a wrap with this week’s blogs. I’ll continue with my normal weekly blogs on Saturday. I’ll also be doing a 2006-07 NBA Season Preview next month, so Bulls fans better be on the lookout!

Until next time,

Mattie T

Sports Writer for BMS Radio Chicago

www.bmsradio.com